In every office, there are moments that quietly shape our work lives. Not the big, headline-making achievements alone, but the everyday milestones that deserve a nod, a clap, or at least a heartfelt “well done”.
In a typical Ghanaian workplace, these milestones often pass with a quick “congrats” on WhatsApp, if we’re lucky. But for the ordinary worker, they matter more than we sometimes admit.
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The first salary alert
Ask Kafui what he remembers most about his first job, and he won’t talk about KPIs or performance reviews. He’ll talk about the first salary alert that hit his phone at exactly 12:03 a.m.
“It wasn’t even the amount,” he laughs. “It was knowing my work finally paid for something.”
That first salary, whether it’s GHS 800 or GHS 8,000, is a milestone. It represents independence, responsibility, and the quiet pride of saying, ‘I earned this.’
One year in the role
For Judith, surviving her first year as an administrative assistant felt like winning a marathon.
“Month three, I wanted to quit,” she admits. “By month twelve, I realised I had learned more than I ever imagined.”
One-year anniversaries are underrated. They mark resilience, learning office politics, managing difficult bosses, dealing with clients who don’t reply to emails, and still showing up every morning. That alone deserves recognition.
The first promotion (or expanded responsibility)
When Alfred was told he would now supervise two junior colleagues, there was no title change and no big announcement.
“But that day, I knew someone trusted me,” he says.
Not every milestone comes with a pay raise. Sometimes it’s being trusted with a new project, being copied on an important email, or being asked, “What do you think?” These moments signal growth, and they matter.
Completing a big project
Every office has that one project that drains everyone: long meetings, tight deadlines, and last-minute changes.
For Anastasia, leading her first product launch felt overwhelming until it was done.
“When we finally sent the last report, we just sat quietly. No party. No cake. But inside, I was proud.”
Completing a major task, especially under pressure, is a milestone worth celebrating. Even a simple team lunch or shoutout can go a long way.
Returning after a setback
Sometimes milestones are not shiny. They’re personal.
Kojo returned to work after a difficult health break. Francisca came back after maternity leave, balancing work and sleepless nights. Mubarak bounced back after failing his probation the first time. Showing up again is a milestone. Growth isn’t always linear, and acknowledging these moments builds empathy and stronger teams.
Why celebrating milestones matters
In Ghanaian culture, we celebrate everything, birthdays, weddings, naming ceremonies, and even retirement with cloth and speeches. So why do we become so quiet at work?
Celebrating milestones:
- Boosts morale
- Builds a sense of belonging
- Reminds people they are seen
- Encourages loyalty and motivation
You don’t need balloons or a big budget. Sometimes, it’s a mention during a meeting. A handwritten note. A LinkedIn post. Or even just saying, “We noticed your effort.”
For managers and teams
If you lead people, pay attention to the small wins:
- First year completed
- First successful presentation
- First client handled independently
- Growth in confidence, not just results
If you’re part of a team, celebrate each other. Clap for your colleague who stayed late to finish a task. Acknowledge the quiet one who always delivers.
For you, the ordinary worker
Take a moment to recognise your own milestones too. Not everything needs external validation. Sometimes, the celebration is knowing how far you’ve come.
From the first salary alert to the lessons learned the hard way, every step counts.
Because at the end of the day, work is not just about productivity.
It’s about people, progress, and the journey in between.
And that, truly, is worth celebrating.
Gene’s Office Survival Tip:
Don’t wait for big promotions to feel accomplished, celebrate the small work milestones, because they’re what keep you motivated long before the applause comes.
This is the office Buzz. Work, Culture and everything in between.
Remember to share this with that colleague who needs to see this.
